A tortoise desired to change its place of residence, so heasked an eagle to carry him to his new home, promising1 her a richreward for her trouble. The eagle agreed and seizing the tortoiseby the shell with her talons2 soared aloft. On their way they meta crow, who said to the eagle: "Tortoise is good eating." "Theshell is too hard," Said the eagle in reply. "The rocks will sooncrack the shell," Was the crow's answer; and the eagle, taking thehint, let fall the tortoise on a sharp rock, and the two birdsmade a hearty3 meal of the tortoise. 
Never soar aloft on an enemy's pinions4. 